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 Post subject: Multiple Tree Problems
PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 11:22 am 
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Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2003 10:41 am
Posts: 4
I have two trees I am having problems and they are both some of Howard's favorites, silver maple and arizona ash (just kidding).

We bought the house, located on 0.25 acre in Lewisville, 5 years ago. At that time, there were only 3 trees on the property: silver maple, arizona ash (which are only 30-40 feet apart and have been there for a long time) and some type of young mulberry tree. We planted 6 more trees since: 2 pear; sycamore; texas ash, bur oak and weeping willow. The weeping willow didn't do very well (surprise) and it was removed and replaced with a sweet gum.

Now to the problems. The ash was struck by lightning about 15 years ago and regrew. I had a branch fall off it during some moderate wind storms a few months ago. There is also a fairly large hole about 1-2 feet above ground and near where the tree was cut down after being struck. I haven't seen any pests or anything else coming out of this hole. Also, some of the other limbs, especially the more shaded ones, are dying. Is there anything I need to do to this tree or should I leave it alone and let mother nature take it's course with it?

The silver maple is my biggest problem. I don't know what has caused the wood and the bark on the main trunk to become separated. Some of the bark has fallen off and most of the rest could be pulled right off if I tried. There are borer holes in the main trunk and ants crawling around and on the tree. There is also a hole in one of the main roots that collects water. I have only had one main limb that died and had to cut off. The rest of the limbs seem to be healthy because the leaves are still green and aren't falling off. There is lot's of small new growth (mostly leaves and small stems), especially on or near the main trunk. I am not sure if the sick tree treatment will help or if the tree is too far gone.

Any help I can get would be greatly appreciated.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 1:27 pm 
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Location: McKinney,TEXAS
glownthedark-
I have three words in response to your question, normal, reasonable and expected. No, I'm not trying to be a jerk. Those symptoms are exactly what happen to most of the undesirable trees you describe. The sweet gum is a good tree but Lewisville does not have the deep soil like east Texas does so it runs out of steam in about 20 years and goes into decline. I would spend my time thinking about replacements.
Tony M


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 Post subject: Tree Problems, Part II
PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 1:38 pm 
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Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2003 10:41 am
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Are you saying all the trees I planted are not good or were you talking about the two I am having problems with? I understand about the sweet gum but what about the others?


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 4:33 pm 
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Joined: Wed Aug 06, 2003 7:49 pm
Posts: 48
Location: Ft Worth-I30&Hulen
I'm in west Ft worth with 2 arizona ashes and 1 silver maple. Same problems. Looking for chainsaw repair now[ bad carb] so i can cut them down. One ash is 95% brown from about 50% 3 weeks ago. Silver maple started growing suckers like weeds at the bottom and mistletoe at top.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2003 7:56 am 
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You say 'The ash was struck by lightning about 15 years ago and regrew.' by that, based on how long ago it was, I take it that's an Arizona Ash, not the Texas Ash you planted. There's very little you'll be able to do for that one. It's never going to be very healthy. Same for the Silver Maple. IT grows fast, looks decently pretty for a number of years, then gets sick and begins falling apart, quite literally. I Bet your Texas Ash and Burr Oak are doing much better by comparison.

I'd look into cutting down the silver maple before it falls on something you're fond of. House, Car, etc. A Shatung Maple would be a great replacement.

That mulberry is likely going to be a problem. They are poor trees. The Sycamore is pretty, but can often have health issues here. If you're using the organic program it'll do better.

So, I'd write off the Arizona Ashes and the Silver Maple. Probably be a good Idea to knock out that Mulberry when you get that Silver Maple. Texas Ash and Burr Oak, good choices.

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